Packham, Gordon Henry

The family of Gordon announces the passing of a husband, father, brother, grandfather and ‘junk man’ extraordinaire on May 7, 2012 in Vernon, B.C.
Born, March 15, 1934 and spending his youth on the farm in McLean, Saskatchewan, he farmed then worked as a carpenter building schools before moving to Lee Creek B.C. in 1967 and Grindrod in 1968. After several years at a plywood mill, in 1970 he opened up the Grindrod 2nd Hand Store, renamed Gordon’s New and Used in 1973. For 40 years selling hubcaps, trinkets and odds n’ ends, the store was his life and a well known landmark for travelers from Alberta to B.C. . The store put Grindrod on the world map, was shown, “On The Road Again” in 1994, CHBC, on European TV, in magazines and many tourist’s photographs.
He enjoyed yard sales, auctions, gardening, carpentry, watching westerns, mechanical stuff, being with his daughters and keeping busy.
He is survived by his wife Hazel of Vernon, whom he married in April 28, 1982; four daughters: Laura (Allan) Peterson of Salmon Arm, Abbie Wellington (partner Jim) of Vernon, Pattie (Carl) Clark of Allan, Saskatchewan, Gail (John) Foley of Coronach, Saskatchewan; one son: Donald of Riverview, New Brunswick; four step-daughters: Linda (Jeff), Susie (Leon) and Theresa of Vernon, Patsy of Winnipeg, Manitoba; Charlotte, (deceased); 27 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren.
A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, May 19, 2012 starting at 1:00 p.m. at Gordon’s New and Used, Grindrod, B.C. (6909 Highway 97A) and will then move to the Grindrod Recreation Community Hall on 4th Avenue. Casual Dress.

2 Comments

Ron and Brenda Kerr
on May 18, 2012 at 9:42 am

We want to offer our sympathy at this time of loss and to let Hazel and all their children know that our thoughts are with you.

Stew and Shirley Wass
on May 18, 2012 at 8:06 pm

Our deepest sympathy to Hazel and all of Gordon and Hazels children and families.